Securing financing to purchase a new home is one of the most important, exciting, and nerve-wracking financial steps most people will ever take. Up until the financial crisis in 2008, mortgage requirements were quite relaxed, but since then lenders have become more stringent; loan applicants must now meet more demanding requirements to obtain a mortgage…. Read More

A few years back, “the Starbucks effect” became a legitimate term to explain the higher real estate values associated with living close to the coffee house. But being within easy striking distance of a Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte isn’t the only thing that can help boost your home value. Then again, not every location can… Read More

A lot of sellers don’t listen to their real estate agents, so we’ll tell you what your agent wants to say, but can’t say to you and this is it – your agent can’t get you the price you want unless your home is in pristine move-in condition. That means no sticking drawers in the… Read More

The Toronto real estate market was very strong all through 2015, with prices up 10% and sales up by 9% over 2014. Most analysts foresaw some moderation in 2016; after all, prices have been rising much more quickly than incomes, and affordability is therefore getting strained. And the Canadian economy appears to be following Alberta… Read More